Hi guys..it looks like I am going to have to hve an MRI scan sometime in the near future and I am absolutely petrified. I was wondering if anyone here has had one and could tell me what its really like?

The thing is, I am really claustrophobic and the thought of being in the tube really freaks me out! I did a CT scan recently and even though that is open and smaller, it still made me sweat and tremble.
My doctor has said they can sedate me, but I am thinking that might be even worse...totally panicked and unable to move!
I know this must sound stupid but I just dont know if I can do it...

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awww camilla... my dad had one and he says its nothing... he was in and out in 10 mins. but hes not claustrophobic. im not sure what the hospitals are like over there but the one near me tells you to take a CD to listen to... if thats the same where you are maybe that'll help?
dont worry if you feel you cant go through with it... im sure the doctors are used to that!
be sure to ask them as many questions as you can as that might put your mind at ease...
we're all here for you if you need to unload your worries!
hope ive helped!

I dont think the sedation would be a bad thing, it will relax you - if your that bothered by it I would go that route. I hope all goes well.

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I agree with Victoria, the sedation doesn't seem a bad idea expecially if you are claustrophobic.
I hope everything will work out fine.
Good luck!

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I had to have one...they didn't ask me if I was clostrophobic or give me any advice berfore I went in so I was a little suprised when I realized how it was going to be. Mine was pretty quick, I kept my eyes closed and tried to go to sleep and take slow breaths. The moving of the machine was the only thing that bothered me...it's hard to sleep with a machine making noise. I'm sure they have people that have trouble with it all the time, I can't say it was the most fun I've ever had...but it ruled out some scary things so it was a plus. Good luck, do your best to relax, keeping the eyes closed the whole time really helped for me...if they let you have music that would probably help too.

Good Luck! I hope everything turns out well.
Jessi

oops...that was me guess I forgot to log in.

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Thank you for the advice guys...I am still in two minds as to what to do..I will let you know!

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As you may remember I had a Ct scan not too long ago. I am extremely claustrophobic. I was a scared. If I had to do an MRI I think I would choose sedation.
My youngest son had to have 1 at 10mths old and they sedated him.

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